Otley (Leeds) Crime Rate August 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 12,624, Otley (Leeds) recorded 62 crimes in August 2025, equating to 1 reported crime for every 204 residents over the month. This places the area’s crime rate at 4.9 per 1,000 residents, 39.5% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (35.5% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (16.1%) and public order offences (12.9%). This profile contrasts with national trends, where violent crime typically accounts for around 41% of all reported incidents. The area’s crime picture aligns with August’s seasonal context: peak holiday activity may have contributed to a slight increase in public order issues, though local data shows no significant spikes in theft from tourists or visitors. The relatively low overall crime rate suggests Otley’s built-up area within Leeds maintains a safer environment compared to other urban centres, possibly due to its mix of residential and commercial spaces with limited high-density nightlife areas. However, the 11% above UK average for burglary (0.3 per 1,000) raises questions about seasonal vulnerabilities, particularly in empty homes during the summer holidays. These patterns may reflect a combination of local demographics and the area’s geographic position as a commuter hub with lower foot traffic in non-core retail zones.

August 2025 saw a 100% increase in robbery cases compared to July, rising from 0 to 2 incidents. This jump, though small in absolute terms, marks a notable shift in crime dynamics. Violence and sexual offences decreased by 46.3% (from 41 to 22), a drop consistent with the end of the university term, which typically sees higher crime rates in nearby student areas. Anti-social behaviour rose by 66.7% (6 to 10 cases), a trend that may reflect increased public gatherings during the August bank holiday. Otley’s burglary rate (0.3 per 1,000) is 11% above the UK average (0.3 per 1,000), a figure that could be influenced by the seasonal increase in empty properties during the summer. Conversely, shoplifting fell 52% below the UK average (0.6 per 1,000), due to the area’s lower retail density compared to major urban centres. The sharp decline in criminal damage and arson (75% drop from 8 to 2 cases) may be linked to targeted local enforcement efforts around the start of the month. These variations illustrate how Otley’s specific mix of residential and commercial spaces interacts with national crime trends in unique ways.

Otley’s crime rate in August 2025 (4.9 per 1,000) represents a 31.9% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 7.2 per 1,000. This decline brings the area’s monthly exposure to 1 crime per 204 residents, a figure that contextualises the impact of crime on individual households. On a daily basis, 2 crimes were reported in August, a rate that remains lower than the UK average when scaled to Otley’s population. The area’s performance is particularly striking when compared to national benchmarks: violent crime rates (1.7 per 1,000) are 41% below the UK average, and anti-social behaviour rates (0.8 per 1,000) are 45% below. These figures suggest Otley’s built-up area within Leeds benefits from a combination of effective local policing and community characteristics that deter certain types of crime. However, the 82% above UK average for robbery (0.2 per 1,000) highlights a specific vulnerability that warrants further analysis. For residents, the 1-in-204 monthly exposure figure provides a tangible measure of risk, though it remains well below the national average of approximately 1-in-125. These comparisons underscore how Otley’s unique geographic and demographic profile shapes its crime profile relative to broader UK trends.